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View Full Version : Help me resusicate an Epiphone


underdog1924
02-05-2004, 04:38 PM
My friend has a couple guitars (Ovation and Epiphone). I asked him to borrow the Epiphone (PR5E/VS model) because it has a pickup and wanted to record a couple things onto my computer. Well, upon getting it home and restringing it (he hasn't played it in atleast a year, the strings were black with corrosion), I noticed a few things.

One, open strings play fine, but when you hit a fretted string there's an obnoxious rattle coming from under the saddle. YOu can barely hear the notes because of it. I tap the top next to the saddle and you can hear the rattle.

Second, when I plugged the guitar in and recorded a couple things, there was a massive amount of noise and the guitar was barely audible. Probably has something to do with the first point.

Third, the top below the saddle is bulged gigantically. I've figured this is from drying out. I put a cheap little humidifier thing in the case to help that, though I don't think it will do much.

Unfortunately I can't send it to Epiphone for warranty work because he's not the orginal owner and can't transfer it. He said I can do what I like with it, so I'd like to fix it up and pass it along to someone who can make better use of what is pretty good guitar for someone who's looking to start. I'd use it, but while it lacks a pickup, my Big Baby sounds light years better than the Epiphone. :lol

Any ideas? I know I can take it to a tech but would prefer to see my options first. Thanks for the help.


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cj4258
02-05-2004, 04:42 PM
Sounds like a loose brace, probably because of the bubble. Those must be reglued and cauled/clamped.

If the soundboard is bubbled, I suggest replacing it, which can be a lot more expensive than the guitar was to begin with.

cj4258
02-05-2004, 04:48 PM
EDIT: I'm guessing the bulge is because the bridge is pulling on the soundboard. My Epi is showing signs of that and there's not really a lot you can do about it, aside from replacing the soundboard. Get a small mirror and check the braces around the bridge.

gregory311
02-05-2004, 04:59 PM
I have to ask... why are you looking to do anything to a guitar that you don't own that will involve money?

Just wondering...

J.

underdog1924
02-05-2004, 05:16 PM
EDIT: I'm guessing the bulge is because the bridge is pulling on the soundboard. My Epi is showing signs of that and there's not really a lot you can do about it, aside from replacing the soundboard. Get a small mirror and check the braces around the bridge.

What is the soundboard? That where the pickup takes the sound? How much would you guess it would cost?

What about completely removing the soundboard and/or stock pickup and installing a cheaper, easy to use pickup?

underdog1924
02-05-2004, 05:19 PM
I have to ask... why are you looking to do anything to a guitar that you don't own that will involve money?

Just wondering...

J.


My friend said if I wanted it, I could have it. He really doesn't care what happens to it. If I can spend a couple bucks and help someone out who wants to learn and enjoy the guitar, then I'll be happy with that.